LITMIR.BIZ

      If you have stayed in Diggle, retrace your steps to return to the starting point at Standedge. Start where the Pennine Way crosses the busy A62 road on Standedge, following a clear track uphill. Keep straight ahead at a junction, and keep straight ahead when the Pennine Way and Pennine Bridleway run concurrent for a short distance. At the top of this track, the Pennine Way turns right as signposted, while the Pennine Bridleway continues straight ahead. Following the Pennine Bridleway for 1.5km (1 mile) leads to Wellcroft House B&B, near a crossroads at Bleak Hey Nook.

      The Pennine Bridleway and Pennine Way are both National Trails. For the most part, they remain separate while pursuing parallel courses. On a few occasions, they run concurrent for short distances. While the Pennine Way has half a century of history behind it, the Pennine Bridleway is still evolving. It has been opened piecemeal since 2002, and at the time of writing currently starts near Matlock and finishes near Kirkby Stephen. The trail will ultimately extend into Northumberland.

      The well-worn path leads away from the track, up a grassy slope. Cross a stile and follow the line of a fence, then cross another stile and climb uphill as a low, rocky edge develops along Standedge. A trig point is passed at 448m (1470ft). The path continues gently, becoming broad and stony, with a low rocky edge to the left and denuded peat to the right. A dip is reached where a stone marks the Oldham Way down to the left and the Pennine Way up to the right. A firm gravel path undulates over tussocky moorland with bog cotton and rushes. Cross a footbridge and soon after the A640 road is reached at a small car park.